Business Hours/8:00〜20:00
+81-287-92-4126Tourism
Stroll around old town Nakagawa
With magnificent nature and rich history
Surrounded by magnificent nature, rich history and stylish arts & potteries, old town Nakagawa is the perfect destination for your unforgettable sojourn
Explore the cultural richness- our old town is for all
Tourism Map
Postal Code 324-0618
1616, Koguchi, Nakagawa-machi, Nasu-gun, Tochigi prefecture
TEL +81-287-92-4216/FAX +81-287-92-4123
Getting here Take the bus for Bato at JR Karasuyama station or Ujiie station,
and get off at “Takada Teiryujo, Michinoeki Teiryujo”
Tourism
Arts & crafts
・Pick Up 01
Iwamura Kazuo Picture-Book Hill Museum
Approx. 5 minutes drive from our hotel
An art museum of Iwamura Kazuo, the painter famous for the “14 Mice Series” with a huge number of original illustrations of the picture books. Either a glimpse of the picture books surrounded by the warmth of the woods or a sip of coffee at a goats cafe with nice views, you find your peaceful moment here.
・Pick Up 02
Koisago-yaki (Koisago ware)
Approx. 10 minutes drive from our hotel
The history of Kosuna ware dates back to 1830 when Tokugawa Nariaki, the lord of Mito Domain, discovered the clay and adopted it as a raw material at the Domain's official pottery studios. Its comes with a signature glittering, golden color, and it is designated as a "Traditional Craft of Tochigi Prefecture".
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Nakagawa-machi Bato Hiroshige Museum of Art
Approx. 13 minutes drive from our hotel
This museum houses the original paintings of Utagawa Hiroshige, an ukiyo-e artist in the Edo Period. The stylish exterior was designed by the world-renowned Kengo Kuma themed "Shono Hakuu" (Shono White Rain), one of Hiroshige's masterpieces from the Fifty-three Stations of the Tokaido woodcut prints.
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Oya History Museum
Approx. 58 minutes drive from our hotel
With an exhibition room revealing the history of Oya stone (an igneous rock) mining and the remains of an underground quarry. The remains are 20,000 square meters wide and 30 meters deep (stretching up to 60 meters at its deepest point). It is loved by visitors also as a sacred underground temple.
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Mashiko Pottery Cooperative Selling Center
Approx. 1 hour drive from our hotel
The largest direct sales center in the Mashiko area, welcoming shoppers with a large and eye-catching raccoon statue. You can find the creations from approx. 70% of the 400 pottery studios in Mashiko. Curated experiences such as pottery wheel throwing, painting, and hand-molding allows participants to create their unique artworks.
Visiting spots
・Pick Up 01
Kairakuen Garden
Approx. 1 hour 26 minutes drive from our hotel
One of the "Three Great Gardens of Japan", created by Nariaki Tokugawa, the 9th lord of the Mito domain. Be welcomed by blossoms throughout the year, including plums, cherries, azalea, and seasonal cherry trees, with as many as 3,000 trees of 100 different varieties. Also, don't miss the spectacular view of Senba Lake from the hilltop.
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Mooka Tetsudo Railway, Mooka Station
Approx. 1 hour 7 minutes drive from our hotel
A rare railway station with steam locomotives stopping on weekends and holidays with a display of the old train at the front. Take a close look, enjoy an "ekiben" (local meal box) at a reserved seat, and experience something extraordinary. You might want to make your reservation online to ensure you can "get on board"!
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Ashikaga Flower Park
Approx. 1 hour 35 minutes drive from our hotel
A botanical garden is managed by Tsukamoto Konami, the first female arborist in Japan. Indulge in flowery peaks in different seasons-cherry blossoms, roses, and wisteria. The giant wisteria flowers and the fancy snowy-white wisteria tunnels are designated as natural monuments of Tochigi. In winter, the area is packed with visitors for its magical illuminations.
Nature & sceneries
・Pick Up 01
Mountain Kamakura
Approx. 43 minutes drive from our hotel
A low hill with an altitude of about 216mm yet widely loved for its epic views. Take in the magnificent views in different seasons, such as the fresh greenish touch in spring, reddish autumn leaves in fall, and the sea of clouds in winter. It is also a popular destination for family hikes, as there are trails and roads to drive close to the peak.
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Fukuroda Falls
Approx. 50 minutes drive from our hotel
The waterfall is 120m high and 73m wide, one of the “Three Great Waterfalls of Japan”. It is also famous for its natural wonders in all four seasons- greeneries in spring, reddish autumn leaves, and stunning frozen waterfalls in winter. It’s a designated scenic spot in Japan.
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Momijidani Suspension Bridge
Approx. 54 minutes drive from our hotel
A 320m-long pedestrian suspension bridge spans the Shiobara Dam Lake, one of the longest non-stiffening girder pedestrian suspension bridges in Honshu, Japan. The strength of the fancy bridge is increased by stretching horizontal wire ropes, offering hikers views of the peaceful lake and magnificent mountains.
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Tochigi Kuranomachi Museum of Art
Approx. 1 hour 17 minutes drive from our hotel
Tochigi City was developed during the Edo period as a wholesaler town for marine transport and a post town along the Nikko Reiboishi Kaido route. Let the lines of white-walled storehouses and black-painted storehouses along the Uzumagawa River be your history story tellers. You might also take a boat ride and experience the riverside town from another angle.
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Kegon Falls
Approx. 1 hour 33 minutes drive from our hotel
A huge waterfall with a drop of 97 meters, and the water of Lake Chuzenji tumbles down all together. Go up to the observation deck by taking the elevator and be amazed by the panoramic view of the inevitable water splashes. This waterfall stands out as a tourist hotspot even in Nikko, a waterfall town.
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Irohazaka Winding Road
Approx. 1 hour 39 minutes drive from our hotel
A sightseeing route connecting old town Nikko with Lake Chuzenji and Oku-Nikko. Its name comes from the 48 curves on the slope, the same number as the Japanese letters. The slope, with an elevation difference of approx. 440m, is also loved as one of the best places to see fall foliage in Japan. Don’t be surprised if you are caught in traffic in the peak season!
Shrines & temples
・Pick Up 01
Torinokosansho Shrine
Approx. 25 minutes drive from our hotel
With owl statues scattered throughout the area (including a giant golden one!), the shrine is popular as a spiritual spot for good fortune. Owl is “fukuro” in Japanese, which sounds like “no pain”. The shrine brings good money fortune and happiness. Don't miss the old cedar tree, it has its own rich stories to tell, beginning with a tale that dates back 1,000 years.
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Ooyaji Temple, Heiwa Kannon Statue
Approx. 1 hour 1 minutes drive from our hotel
This Kannon statue was made in 1954 after six years of hard work with the hope of world peace. The gigantic 27m statue is discernible as it was hand-carved on the rock surface. The sceneries of old town Oya and the Oya Museum are just steps away- walk up the stairs and take a look before you leave!
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Nikko Tosho-gu shrine
Approx. 1 hour 15 minutes drive from our hotel
Enshrining Tokugawa Ieyasu, the 1st shogun of the Edo shogunate, constituting part of the World Heritage “Shrines and Temples of Nikko”. It is also famous for the brilliantly colored National Treasure Yomeimon Gate, the three wise monkey sculptures at Shinkyusha, and the sleeping cat sculpture at the East Corridor Sukirimon Gate.
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Kasama Inari-jinja Shrine Japanese wisteria, big size wisteria
Approx. 1 hour 15 minutes drive from our hotel
This shrine has long been worshipped as the god for commoners and as one of the "Three Great Inari Shrines of Japan". It is also famous for its "double-flowered wisteria" and "giant wisteria," which reach their flower peak from late April to early May and attract quite a lot of visitors every year.
Gourmet
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Soba noodle shop Kirigadake
Approx. 6 minutes drive from our hotel
A soba specialty located in a silent suburb serving quality soba noodles made from locally produced buckwheat flour. Seasonal dishes such as maitake mushroom soba and kenchin (tofu mixture) soba are also popular. Forget the hustle and bustle, just sit back, take a stroll, and listen to the chirping of birds here.
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Yazawanoyana, the hometown of Ayu Sweet-fish
Approx. 24 minutes drive from our hotel
Loved as a tourist hotspot for the largest fishing net on the Naka River set up from July to the end of October. From freshwater seafood dishes such as sweet fish and eel to fried shrimp and fried chicken, be amazed by an array of local feasts! The immersive table-projected dining experience is its selling point.
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Pioneer fried noodles with soup Kamahiko
Approx. 1 hour 4 minutes drive from our hotel
This widely-loved restaurant has a long history, famous for creating “fried noodles with soup” as the local classic in Shiobara Onsen. The spicy soup comes with simmered chicken bones and vegetables, which goes well with the special curly noodles. It is a famous specialty among the local community.
Leisure
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Nakagawa Aquatic Park
Approx. 6 minutes drive from our hotel
One of the very few freshwater fish aquariums in Japan and the only aquarium in Tochigi. Meet with 330 kinds of marine life, from native fish from the Naka River in the prefecture to foreign ones from the Amazon. There is also a "touching aquarium" and a number of creative workshops for visitors.
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Karasuyamajo Country Club
Approx. 16 minutes drive from our hotel
The Karasuyama Castle Country Club is designed by celebrity craftsman Seiichi Inoue. It has 3 courses (Honmaru, Ninomaru, and Sannomaru) and is located in a 1.98 million sqm2 area with 27 holes in total. It is a full-fledged golf course combining gorgeous beauty with advanced strategies to amaze gold lovers.
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Mobility resort Motegi
Approx. 54 minutes drive from our hotel
Opened in 1997, this motorsports theme park is the first circuit with two racing courses (an oval and a road course). There are also zip lines and an amusement park area, so this spot is absolutely family-friendly.
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Nasu Animal Kingdom
Approx. 58 minutes drive from our hotel
A zoo to interact with a wide variety of animals such as alpacas, horses, capybaras, guinea pigs, and other small animals and herbivores. The zoo is also famous for its rare eagle shows and adorable dog shows. You can also get close to animal babies as well.
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Nasu Highland Park
Approx. 1 hour drive from our hotel
One of the best amusement parks in northern Kanto with numerous thrilling coasters. There are also rides for kids and dog-friendly area. It's a true entertainment spot for all, from couples to families, and to dog lovers.
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Edo Wonderland
Approx. 1 hour 11 minutes drive from our hotel
The park is divided into a number of themed-areas such as the Merchant Town, Samurai Town, and Shinobi Village. The retro chic atmosphere can take you back to the Edo period. Transform yourselves to Edo residents in the ninja workshops, samurai training, and historic plays.
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Tobu World Square
Approx. 1 hour 11 minutes drive from our hotel
In the zones for Japan, Asia, Europe, America, Egypt, and more, heritages and remains from around the world, such as the Sagrada Familia, the Taj Mahal, and Himeji Castle, are visualized at a 1/25 scale. Just come and travel around the world!
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Craft Hills Kasama
Approx. 1 hour 18 minutes drive from our hotel
The prefect fusion of nature and art, with an exhibition room dedicated to Yasunari Matsui (a national famous and living treasure in Japan), a craft creation space with artworks by about 250 artists, and a cozy cafe. Don't leave without trying the potter wheel, hand-forming, and glass-fusing.
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Aqua world Oarai
Approx. 1 hour 46 minutes drive from our hotel
A top-ranked aquarium in Japan, home to 68,000 sea creatures from 580 different species. Boasting the largest number of sharks in Japan. Don't miss the 3m-long stuffed sunfish, the daily dolphin and sea lion shows, and the lovely swimming performance of as many as 20,000 sardine.
Shopping
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Highway Rest Area Kitsuregawa
Approx. 20 minutes drive from our hotel
A roadside station themed "Taisho nostalgic Romanticism/ Modernism". Soak in hot springs, take your pick at its direct sale center, enjoy its projection show, and warm your stomach in the lines of mouth-watering restaurants in the food court- an evolving visiting spot that hooks visitors with its "Kitsuregawa exclusive" charm.
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Nasu Garden Outlet
Approx. 37 minutes drive from our hotel
A resort-style shopping center for a retail experience like no other. It offers a diverse shopping scene from sporting goods outlets to local artisans selling unique treasures. Located just 2 minutes from Kuroiso Itamuro Interchange in the heart of the town is our paradise for shoppers.
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Highway Rest Area Utsunnomiya Romanticmura
Approx. 49 minutes drive from our hotel
A huge family-oriented experiential farmpark located on 46-hectare area, featuring a direct sale center with farm-fresh produces, restaurants, agricultural workshops, forest exploration playground, an off-leash dog park, hot springs, a swimming pool, and accommodations. Experience agriculture, farming, and country life here!
